Jülich

Jülich’s 2,000-year history is closely linked to securing the strategically important bridge over the Rur. This connection gives the city’s history a concrete point of reference: the river and the bridge are part of the historical context in which Jülich developed.

Citadel, Aachen Gate and City History

The citadel was built in the 16th century by Italian architect Alessandro Pasqualini. The largely preserved complex covers 90,000 square meters and can be explored on guided tours. If you would like to plan a tour, check its availability before your trip. The historic cellar of the Citadel Museum presents three important periods in Jülich’s history.

Another prominent landmark is the Aachen Gate. It was completed in 1548 as the first Renaissance city gate in the Rhineland. A section of wall approximately 115 meters long has been preserved next to the gate. The gate’s date and the surviving wall provide tangible architectural points of reference for the city’s history.

The city layout also offers a distinctive perspective: despite the destruction of 1944, the symmetry of Jülich’s ideal city plan is still visible in its streets. This means the city’s history can be read not only in individual buildings, but also in the layout of the place.

The Jülich City History Museum is located in the Kulturhaus am Hexenturm and features permanent and special exhibitions. Together with the historic cellar of the Citadel Museum, this distinction can help with your planning: the cellar focuses on three important periods, while the City History Museum presents permanent and special exhibitions.

Qualified city guides offer tours in German, Dutch, French, English and Spanish. As languages and booking arrangements may change, it is advisable to check them before your trip.

Brückenkopf Park and Fortress Complex

Brückenkopf Park brings together a zoo, woodland, orchards and playgrounds. The Kind & Kegel play area features a raft pond, water pumps, a play and climbing tower, and a large slide. Mini golf and archery add to the sporting activities. As park attractions may change, check their availability before your visit.

Brückenkopf has been open to visitors since April 25, 1998; check the current opening conditions before your trip. The fortifications include the South Bastion, their most heavily developed section, which contains 22 gun casemates. Brückenkopf thus offers two distinct themes for visitors: the history of the fortress complex and today’s park attractions.

Jülich and the RurUfer Cycle Route

There is also a regional point of interest for cyclists: the RurUfer Cycle Route follows the Rur for more than 170 kilometers from the Belgian plateau to the Dutch border. Jülich is included in the route’s cultural program. If you are planning to include the cycle route in your trip, check the latest route information before setting off.

Jülich therefore offers several specific starting points for your stay: the citadel and its guided tours, the Aachen Gate and the surviving traces of the city’s layout, a range of historical exhibitions, and the attractions at Brückenkopf Park. You can choose the focus of your trip based on which of these facets you would like to explore further.

Discover more destinations: Vettweiß, Merzenich, Düren, Nörvenich, Nideggen, Kreuzau, Heimbach, Aldenhoven.

Go to the main travel overview: Düren.